Edge needs to start in the playoffs

[TJ]

The bottom line is that Edge deserved his demotion at the time and it just so happened that Hightower was the better running back 2 months ago. Now, TH has regressed (or hit a wall), that gave Edge another shot. Luckily for us fans, Edge is still motivated and we could have some resemblance of a rushing attack against ATL. Their run defense is mediocre, so if we can run the ball early and often, our passing attack will cut like a hot knife through butter

 

[ajcardfan]

You know, Whis did hoowink us this week. According to Edge, he was told on Monday he would start. Whis specifically said that we wouldn't change things up at RB in his press conference that day. Then, in the pregame, Hightower was announced but it was Edge who ran down the tunnel.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Edge was out to prove something today, Lets see him do more of that come playoff time!

He must have been. He made a cut today that made my ankles hurt, just watching it.

 

[nashman]

^Bull! TH hit the wall one game later and has never even looked good after the Rams game 8 weeks ago. Edge didn't deserved to be benched for 8 weeks thats just dumb. This team plays better with Edge at RB period and the fact it took the coach eight weeks to realize that is just crazy.

 

[az1965]

Wheels falling off Hightower's bandwagon...

 

[TJ]

^Bull! TH hit the wall one game later and has never even looked good after the Rams game 8 weeks ago. Edge didn't deserved to be benched for 8 weeks thats just dumb. This team plays better with Edge at RB period and the fact it took the coach eight weeks to realize that is just crazy.

Edge didn't revert back to being "Edge" until last week. Every opportunity he was given post benching, he didn't impress. Now that he is running with purpose, he deserves the starting spotlight and it helps that he has little wear and tear from this season. Now the team needs to ride his hot legs into the playoffs.

 

[Treesquid PhD]

^Bull! TH hit the wall one game later and has never even looked good after the Rams game 8 weeks ago. Edge didn't deserved to be benched for 8 weeks thats just dumb. This team plays better with Edge at RB period and the fact it took the coach eight weeks to realize that is just crazy.

big play ability is something our local media has been harping on for years, they loved pitman and others who would gain 600-750 yards per year but because once in a blue moon they break a 35 yarder. Edge is a slow drip runner who can find zone holes with the best in history, The tower of power, used to run hard but has ZERO vision right now unless the hole is right in front of his face. Not to mention he dances now, because the NFL isn't about 1 great game, sorry.

The media must be drinking a few more tonight in memorandum of their golden boy, the next great 650 yard cardinal back TOP.

 

[az1965]

Edge didn't revert back to being "Edge" until last week. Every opportunity he was given post benching, he didn't impress. Now that he is running with purpose, he deserves the starting spotlight and it helps that he has little wear and tear from this season. Now the team needs to ride his hot legs into the playoffs.

Neither did Hightower... in fact, what little Edge got, he still performed slightly better than TH. Check it out...

http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1904877&postcount=10

 

[Treesquid PhD]

Edge didn't revert back to being "Edge" until last week. Every opportunity he was given post benching, he didn't impress. Now that he is running with purpose, he deserves the starting spotlight and it helps that he has little wear and tear from this season. Now the team needs to ride his hot legs into the playoffs.

post benching he was a third down back or spot draws at best. Edge is a rhythm runner, he gets better as the game goes on. He'll never flourish as a third option back. Today he was the feature back.

 

[Cheesebeef]

wiz definitely stuck to his guns for too long. I'm just glad he's the kind of coach who finally dropped those guns, even if it was probably too late. better to have a coach (especially a young one) who's late, than never (even if he was close to never) if you know what I mean.

 

[TJ]

Neither did Hightower... in fact, what little Edge got, he still performed slightly better than TH. Check it out...

http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1904877&postcount=10

The one thing you omitted was that TH, earlier this season, was used solely for short yardage situation.

 

[nashman]

This was imo the first time he was given a REAL opportunity since he was benched, and look what happened. Wow what shock a RB needs more than 2-4 carries to impress. That I can agree with cheese at least he finally gave in although your right its a little late hopefully this can carry on into the playoffs and work. I do think Edge will give his all especially since he needs to showcase himself as he won't likely be here next season. Hopefully the cards don't let him walk and expect TH and JJ to be the future this team needs an every down back, please don't let another one go unless you plan on filling the role with a legit RB.

 

[nashman]

Give it up TJ Edge didn't have an opportunity to impress until today and he did. TH was given game after game and did NOTHING. Oh and TH with his limited carries today did what...oh thats right 1 yard per carry as usual.

 

[az1965]

The one thing you omitted was that TH, earlier this season, was used solely for short yardage situation.

True... however, Hightower clearly did not perform when he WAS given the opportunity.

 

[PoolBoy]

you have to know your players.
with edge you can give him those little counters and know that he will make the right decision of which hole to run through.

with hightower you need to give him run off guard or up the middle and let him plow his way into the open field. we were trying to treat him as edge which was why he did not flourish as the starting back.

 

[TJ]

True... however, Hightower clearly did not perform when he WAS given the opportunity.

I have always said that TH has succeeded as a goal line situation back (cant argue with 10 rushing TDs), but needs another year to really fill in and become an every down back.

It is difficult to make an argument that ANY of the running backs on this team are successful and that falls in line of the basis of my argument: its starts with the front 5. They either don't commit themselves to effective run blocking, or don't have the skill set to do so.

 

[Evil Ash]

^Bull! TH hit the wall one game later and has never even looked good after the Rams game 8 weeks ago. Edge didn't deserved to be benched for 8 weeks thats just dumb. This team plays better with Edge at RB period and the fact it took the coach eight weeks to realize that is just crazy.

1) Edge missed the only practice for the bye week unexcused and when he was punished for it, immediately asked for a trade. You don't reward a guy or give him a slap on the wrist for pulling that type of crap.

2) This was the first game in a long time that we had a mentality to run the damn ball.

Normally we run it a few times (typically with bad results due to poor Oline play) and then give up on it too quickly. If you have that type of mentality, your run game will suffer greatly no matter who is playing rb

 

[Duckjake]

2) This was the first game in a long time that we had a mentality to run the damn ball.

Normally we run it a few times (typically with bad results due to poor Oline play) and then give up on it too quickly. If you have that type of mentality, your run game will suffer greatly no matter who is playing rb

This was also the first game in a while where the Car*s weren't behind 21-0 before they got a first down.

 

[Evil Ash]

This was also the first game in a while where the Car*s weren't behind 21-0 before they got a first down.

That also helps. Although we should have tried to work on our running game when those games were out of hand - so pretty much the 2nd qtr on

 

[SoCal Cardfan]

Edge was running with purpose in this game, you can't deny the huge chip that Whis placed on his shoulder, had a lot to do with that.

This was probably the best I have ever seen Edge as a Cardinal (not stat wise obviously) I don't remember seeing him run this determined before.

 

[Crimson Warrior]

Don't forget about the 35 yarder slanidrac16, he just proved give him a little room to run and he still can! This offensive line is just bad, but TH was not ready and is not the answer thats all I have been saying for months. Glad to see some coming around, I just didn't get what people were seeing in TH.

First, if there is any chance that you're reading Edge, I'm sorry for bailing on you after the STL game man. Wish I could have that post back.

I think the answer why Edge is our best option right now comes down to one RB skill. Vision. When Edge gets the handoff, he sees things developing in a way that TH and JJ will probably never see.

Edge is a HOF back. He's been in big games before.

If we have any hope in the playoffs, in rests upon Edge's ability to consistently grind out 3.8 per carry.

In the name of all that is holy, start him against those dirty, dirty, birds from the ATL.

 

[azsouthendzone]

This was also the first game in a while where the Car*s weren't behind 21-0 before they got a first down.

Amazing how you still can't admit that you were wrong. Did the line just miraculously get good yesterday as well? Let me guess, they just blocked better for Edge. The reality is that Whiz screweed up, the line isn't as bad as you all think, and a good RB can make any line look good just like a bad back like Hightower can make a line look bad.

 

[nashman]

Some will never admit they were wrong...like our coach.

 

[SuperSpck]

First, if there is any chance that you're reading Edge, I'm sorry for bailing on you after the STL game man. Wish I could have that post back.

Edge, if you read this I'm still a fan who thinks he knows more then he does.

But I regret nothing.

You were looking slow and beat down.

With a great reason, you'd take 2 seasons worth of hellish poundings.

You got benched, which I'm sure pissed you off. That's a great motivator.

Now you've got a chance to turn in some great audition footage with your next team and get one last contract.

I want to see you in the top ten in rushing. You've earned it.

I want you to have a great playoff performance with the Cards. You've earned that too.

 

[Duckjake]

Amazing how you still can't admit that you were wrong. Did the line just miraculously get good yesterday as well? Let me guess, they just blocked better for Edge. The reality is that Whiz screweed up, the line isn't as bad as you all think, and a good RB can make any line look good just like a bad back like Hightower can make a line look bad.

Wrong about what? That it is difficult to stick to the run when you are down 21-0? Find me one coach or player at any level who won't agree with that.

The line didn't get any better, Edge is just a better back for a team that can't open any holes. If the line is opening holes then you want a faster back who can take advantage of them by breaking a long run. If the line isn't blocking anybody there's nobody in the game who can make people miss in the backfield like James does.

Nashman and I had this discussion last week.